Latest reviews

7 Dec 16'

Tim Coles reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I'd recommend Greenwood days to anyone with an interest in woodland crafts; Peter runs a variety of courses from shorter 'taster' events right up to week long chair making courses. During my week making a child's chair, other people made a stool (over a weekend), or even turned their hand to using scythe. Courses take place in the woods near Melbourne with tools, lathes and seating under canvas shelters. A wood fire burns all day for tea, coffee, warming soup and, of course, heating water for steam bending. Peter is an excellent, enthusiastic, tutor and he appeared to be as excited as we were when our lengths of ash were turned into legs, spindles and finally part of a complete chair."

7 Dec 16'

Phil Steele reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I saw an article on Greenwood days in one of the craft magazines and the idea of getting back to basics in the woods really appealed. I booked in for the Windsor Chair course in August 2016 wondering if I would be out of my depth, Would I be able to split that log? Would I be able to operate the pole lathe? Of course I would! The clear instruction from Peter soon alleviated any fears. The week was full of fun and the learning of new skills And I took home a fantastic Windsor chair at the end of the week. The fresh bread and home made soup were delicious too. I enjoyed myself so much that I immediately followed up with Peter's sharpening course. I have already booked in for another Windsor Chair course in 2017 and also a willow weaving course for me and my daughter in 2017. This says it all."

6 Dec 16'

charlie reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I have been on a couple of chairmaking courses with Peter - the first some years ago. It is always fun to be with a group of keen, like-minded people and the October 2016 course was no exception. Peter has a gift for encouraging all levels of skill: from complete "woody beginners" to more experienced folk. Peter shared his own knowledge and skills freely, and in a way which encouraged the whole course to benefit, with no one feeling left behind - though the days are sometimes pretty intense! Home made soup and bread, and a constant supply of tea and coffee kept us all going. I highly recommend Peter's courses - whatever your knowledge and skills of green woodworking are and I will be booking a further course for 2017."

6 Dec 16'

Louise Logue reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"I treated my four daughters to this course. We all had a great time and each went home with an individual reindeer. Lots of laughter and great teaching. So relaxed and enjoyable"

6 Dec 16'

Marcia reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"This was my second weekend upholstery course. The first was a revelation and this weekend was no less informative and insightful. I would consider Philip to be an outstanding master craftsman who is able to impart his knowledge with incredible patience and skill. He clearly loves his craft. I was initially nervous about my project but immediately had my concerns assuaged. Philip was positive and embraced the fact that we each had a different item with its own complexities. Philip reviewed each project so that we could learn from each other. The number of steps involved is a incredible but he guides you every step of the way. Everyone got on very well with much good humour and banter. The hot soup at lunch and chocolates and freshly brewed coffee/tea was very thoughtful and much appreciated. My first project was completed (select something small as a starter) and on this occasion I chose a more complicated chair. I ended the weekend with the most wonderful sense of achievement. My first chair is completed and the second is a work in progress so I naturally wasted no time and booked my next weekend course. Thank you so much Philip."

6 Dec 16'

Lorraine reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"Lovely venue, very patient and knowledgeable tuition and good handout to take away. Plenty of opportunity to practice. Would recommend and look forward to a return visit."

6 Dec 16'

Rebecca Choyce reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"I had a really lovely day at Lapstone. Michelle is an excellent tutor and I was able to produce something I never thought I would be able to do. I had a day where I completely lost myself in the craft ... total relaxation and escapism. Thank you. would love to do another sometime."

6 Dec 16'

ulrike sieglohr reviewed: Glaze Application with Kevin Millward

"An informative and enjoyable course. Kevin is very good in explaining lucidly and interestingly complex technical processes to participants with different backgrounds (i.e. from novice to practitioners). His practical demonstrations and tips were really helpful, and he was very patient in answering the many questions."

6 Dec 16'

Lynne Lambert reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Had a really enjoyable time making my raindeer we all had a good giggle and the day went really well I'm sure I would love to do more classes with Victoria. Well done to everyone ."

5 Dec 16'

Andrea Chant reviewed: Creative Spring /Christmas Gift Wrapping Workshop with Lunch

"Today I attended the More Pretty Things 'creative gift-wrapping course' with 2 friends and we all thoroughly enjoyed the event. Jo was very warm and welcoming and her expertise and teaching skills are second to none. The hotel was set in beautiful grounds and the food was excellent. I would definitely recommend this course."

5 Dec 16'

Rita Allen reviewed: Creative Spring /Christmas Gift Wrapping Workshop with Lunch

"Attended this creative gift wrapping course with More Pretty Things today and I am still buzzing. Everything was spot on - the venue was idyllic and the food was fantastic. However, my ability to gift wrap is amazing - it's a good job it's Christmas. Jo is incredible. Her skills are second to none, her patience is unlimited and her tutoring is excellent as she was able to manage a group of people with different abilities and increased all their skills. The confidence she inspires is rewarding. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone and can't wait to attend the next one - after I've practised over Christmas. Thank you very much."

5 Dec 16'

Mac reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris's beginners woodturning course is highly recommended. I was given a day with Chris as an experiential birthday gift, and I had a great time, learnt some new skills and came away with a very handsome piece of contemporary woodcraft as a memento. Chris is a good instructor. He knows when to step in and assist the student, and when to step back and allow the student to complete the necessary tasks to learn the process. His workshop has the added attraction of being situated in the beautiful and wholesome surroundings of Dartmoor, in God's own county of Devon."

5 Dec 16'

Janet sapiano reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"A lovely day with good food and really lovely people . Will definitely be back . Happy Christmas to you all and see you in the new year xxxx"

5 Dec 16'

Lee Rector reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"A fantastic day! I really enjoyed the whole experience. Lucy provided an excellent relaxed environment to work, as well as a delicious lunch and homemade cakes. I learnt many new skills, both through my own project and through the other students work. Lucy was always on hand to help and offer advice. I came away with not only a finished piece of work, but the inspiration and confidence to begin other projects. Will certainly try to attend another of Lucy's courses in the future!"

5 Dec 16'

Lorraine reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Another great course run by Philip. I took a slightly more complex chair this time and Philip was excellent at explaining the different materials to use and their merits. It is great to have a mixture of projects in the classroom as you learn from other pupils challenges. Philip is very patient and engaging and involves you in the decision making so you understand why things are done in a certain order. Already booked my next course..."

5 Dec 16'

Diane Thornton reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"Thank you Sue for a very well tutored, productive and inspiring day. The studio is so well equipped and organised, with everything needed to complete the challenge of a mosaic. Everyone went away with a beautiful unique piece of work plus an information sheet of where to buy mosaic supplies. Can't wait to start my next piece!"

5 Dec 16'

Paulina reviewed: Learn To Knit On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"I spent several hours knitting with the ladies and thoroughly enjoyed it. The ladies are very patient and it is easy to follow their instructions. They have provided me with useful tips which allow me to explore my ideas further. All in all it was it was a really successful and enjoyable day. I came home with loads of new ideas, confidence and enthusiasm. Thank you ladies."

5 Dec 16'

Cheryl Kindness reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"A wonderful day ! Sue is a kind and generous teacher , sharing her knowledge and materials openly. The day passed very quickly with everyone totally engaged in the process We all came away at the end of the day with a piece of work to be proud of! And I have already started on my next piece"

5 Dec 16'

Jo Raffles reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"This willow reindeer course is to be thoroughly recommended in beautiful surroundings with good facilities . The workshop took place inside a beautiful barn with a woodburning stove and tea and coffee making facilities provided. Sue, our tutor, was excellent. She was friendly and encouraging to beginners and others alike . We learned the basics of growing different types of willow and its uses. Everyone had an amazing couple of days and each took home fairly recognisable reindeers ready for xmas . Mine is now adorned with xmas lights and looks fantastic ! Many thanks to Sue and the staff at Stanwick Lakes."

5 Dec 16'

Danielle Spinks reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Such a fantastic course! Bill is a brilliant teacher and his knowledge and advice is absolutely priceless. The course is very thorough, teaching you all the skills you need to begin making beautiful leather goods and builds on these as the two days progress. Bill is so friendly and shares his skills and experiences willingly, making the course a lot of fun. I would highly recommend this course and Bill! Thank you so much for introducing me to such an amazing craft!"

5 Dec 16'

Sally reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Was a fun day making a great reindeer. Never done willow weaving before, but I'll be doing it again for sure. The reindeer all looked fabulous, and they are super size too."

4 Dec 16'

Hair lover reviewed: Diploma in natural organic haircare formulation

"I am hooked on making my own shampoo and conditioner now! I have always wanted to try to do them myself and the course provided a lot of useful information plus tips and tricks on how to customize the recipes to fit different types of hair. The trainers were very knowledgeable and helpful."

4 Dec 16'

Lynn Faulkner reviewed: One week upholstery courses with Cherry Dobson

"Cherry This is the first chance I have had to get back to you. I wanted to thank you for the fantastic course that you ran last week. I learnt so much and was so pleased with my creations by the end of the week. Thank you Lynn"

4 Dec 16'

Dave Fowler reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A great birthday gift from the family and a really enjoyable day spent with my brother. Colin's forge was fired early in the morning and wasn't put out till late afternoon, as he had us busy shaping and forging a variety of ironwork. The relaxed atmosphere contributed to much learning and Colin was very supportive and encouraging. Came away feeling very pleased with ourselves and new found skills. Can certainly recommend the course."

4 Dec 16'

M Paterson reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Victoria made us feel very welcome - with her brilliant tuition and relaxed, friendly atmosphere this is an excellent course which I would highly recommend to everyone. Thank you :)"